Page 5 of Sizzling Desire

“You wish,” I shoot back, folding my arms as I glare up at him. “You’re out here treating this party like your own personal dating service, and it’s pathetic. Try showing some restraint for once.”

He raises an eyebrow, leaning a fraction closer, and I can feel the heat radiating off him. “Restraint? Coming from you? That’s rich.”

“You’re unbelievable,” I hiss, my voice low enough that no one can hear.

“And you’re impossible,” he fires back. “Okay, I’m done.”

Before I can respond, he grabs my wrist, his fingers firm but not rough as he pulls me toward the back of the bar.

“What the hell, Kane?” I snap, trying to yank my arm free, but he doesn’t stop until we’re in a dimly lit conference room, the music from the bar muffled by the closed door.

He spins to face me, his expression dark and unreadable. “This is Hudson and Kate’s night, and I’m not letting you ruin it with whatever jealousy thing you’ve got going on.”

“Jealousy?” The word cuts like a blade, and my temper flares. “Don’t flatter yourself. I couldn’t care less who you flirt with.”

He steps closer, his eyes locked on mine, and there’s a challenge in his voice as he says, “You sure about that? Because from where I’m standing, it looks like I’m living rent-free in your head.”

I laugh, sharp and bitter. “You think way too highly of yourself, Kane.”

“And you,” he counters, his voice dropping lower, “can’t seem to keep away from me.”

The tension between us crackles, electric and dangerous, and I can feel my heart pounding in my chest. He’s too close, the space between us shrinking with every second. I hate him, but I can’t seem to move away.

“Arrogant. Self-centered. Ass,” I bite out, my words a sharp staccato.

His lips quirk into a half-smile, his voice barely above a whisper as he leans in. “I know you are, but what am I?”

I don’t know who moves first, but suddenly the air is gone, replaced by the heat of his mouth on mine. It’s not gentle or sweet; it’s fierce, desperate, like all the anger between us has been set ablaze. His hands are on my waist, pulling me closer, and I’m kissing him back with a hunger I didn’t know I had.

Somewhere in the back of my mind, I know this is reckless and stupid, that it’s the worst possible thing I could be doing. But right now, with Kane’s lips on mine and his hands igniting a fire under my skin, I don’t care. I don’t care about the consequences, the complications, or the fact that I might hate him and myself even more tomorrow.

Kane's touch ignites a fire within me, his strong hands gliding over my curves with possessive hunger. The cool surface of the conference table presses against my thighs as he lifts me effortlessly, my legs instinctively wrapping around his muscular waist.

"Gracie," he breathes against my skin, his voice deep and husky. His lips find my neck, trailing hot kisses down to my collarbone. A gasp escapes me as his teeth graze my sensitive flesh, sending shivers down my spine. I arch towards him, craving more of his intoxicating touch.

My fingers thread through his dark, silky hair. I tug gently, urging him closer, needing to feel every inch of him against me.

He responds with a low growl, his hands sliding up my sides to the zipper of my dress. With agonizing slowness, he pulls it down, exposing my lace bra to his hungry gaze.

"Beautiful," he murmurs, cupping my breasts in his large hands. His thumbs brush over my hardened nipples through the delicate fabric, and I can't hold back the moan that escapes my lips.

My mind races, caught between disbelief and overwhelming desire. How long have I fantasized about this moment? About Kane's hands on me, his lips claiming mine? I can’t admit that right now.

His hands continue their sensual exploration, and I lose myself in the pleasure of his touch, all thoughts of the party just outside this room fading away.

"Fuck, Gracie," he growls, his voice hoarse with desire. "You're beautiful."

His words ignite a fire within me, burning away any last shred of hesitation. My hands move of their own accord, pushing up the fabric of his crisp white, blue-stained shirt. I need to feel his skin against mine, to trace every contour of his body.

I can feel his heart pounding beneath my fingertips, its rapid rhythm matching my own. The realization that he's just as affected as I am sends a thrill through me.

Kane's searing kiss leaves me breathless. As our lips move together, I continue to explore his torso, marveling at the strength I feel beneath my touch. Each defined muscle is a testament to his dedication to his job, his drive – qualities that have always drawn me to him.

Our lips crash against each other, and the taste of vodka on his tongue ignites a fire within me. His kisses are urgent, desperate, as if he's afraid I might disappear at any moment. His hands roam over my body with feverish intensity, leaving trails of heat in their wake.

"Kane," I gasp between kisses, arching into his touch. "Please..."

He groans, his fingers finding the clasp of my bra. With practiced ease, he unhooks it, and I feel the garment loosen around me, freeing my breasts.

---